Perspectives of Lithium Mining in Quebec, Potential and Advantages of Integration into a Local Battery Production Chain for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

This paper presents a discussion on Quebec’s pegmatite lithium resources and potential markets. It also evaluates the opportunities of lithium battery production for electric vehicles (EV) in the province while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The paper shows that mining Quebec’s lithium ore deposits would be sufficient to satisfy the province’s lithium demand and also for exporting abroad lithium-ion batteries. By considering only the projects whose final product is LMH or LCE, Quebec would be able to produce between 10 and 21 million lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles with a greenhouse gas emissions footprint of only 43% of the international average value due to Quebec’s hydro power. Finally, considering Quebec’s lithium mining project economics, the increased future demand for lithium would render Quebec’s lithium pegmatite projects competitive compared with those reported for brine projects.

Geothermal Energy and Beyond—A Review

“…One major challenge is the high upfront cost associated with the development of geothermal projects, including drilling, exploration, and the installation of surface equipment [95,96]. This substantial initial investment can create a barrier to entry, particularly for smaller companies or in regions with limited resources [97]. Furthermore, the complexity and uncertainty surrounding subsurface geological formations can lead to increased risk and difficulty in predicting project success [62].…”

Geothermal Energy and Its Potential for Critical Metal Extraction—A Review

“…While geothermal brine mining promises a plethora of environmental and economic benefits, it concurrently poses a gamut of challenges that necessitate comprehensive solutions for its long-term feasibility and broad adoption. One salient impediment resides in the considerable upfront expenditures required for project development, encompassing drilling, exploration, and the procurement of sophisticated surface equipment [118,119]. This initial financial outlay can serve as a formidable barrier to entry, particularly for small-to-medium enterprises or regions characterized by fiscal constraints [120].…”

“…From an environmental vantage point, though geothermal brine mining generally exhibits a lower ecological footprint compared with conventional mining practices [122], concerns persist. These encompass the potential release of greenhouse gases, the consumption of significant water resources, induced seismic activities [123,124], and the requisite management of waste byproducts [10,119]. Formulating efficacious strategies to mitigate these environmental ramifications is pivotal for ensuring both the long-term sustainability and societal acceptability of geothermal brine mining initiatives.…”